Kecak is the only Balinese dance with no orchestra. About 50 to 70 men sit in concentric circles, chanting “cak, cak, cak” in interlocking rhythm while dancers act out a scene from the Ramayana. At Pura Luhur Uluwatu it is staged on a clifftop amphitheatre as the sun drops into the Indian Ocean, and it ends with a fire sequence. It is the most popular evening activity in south Bali, and it sells out.
What the performance is
The Kecak is a trance-derived ritual that Balinese artists adapted into a staged performance in the 1930s. The story is the Ramayana episode in which Prince Rama’s wife Sita is kidnapped by the demon king Ravana, with the monkey general Hanuman as a hero. Hanuman’s fire scene, where a performer kicks burning coconut husks around the stage, is the highlight.
There are no instruments. The chorus is the music, and a narrator is mostly absent. Even if you do not know the story, the show is easy to follow. Handouts and sheets explaining the plot are given at the gate.
Showtimes
Most online listings show two sessions:
- 6pm to 7pm: the sunset show. The sun sets around 6pm Bali time almost year-round, so the first half has golden cliff light.
- 7pm to 8pm: a second show, dark from the start, with stronger fire effects.
A separate venue near Karang Boma cliff, about 1 km from the temple, runs a single 6pm to 7pm session. The temple amphitheatre is the better-known option. Times shift occasionally, so confirm when booking.
The clifftop at Uluwatu in late afternoon, before the evening crowds settle in.
Prices and tickets (2026)
- Kecak show ticket: online show-only tickets are listed at roughly USD 9 to 10 per adult. Buying at the venue can cost more, with reports of up to IDR 150,000 as of 2026.
- Temple entry: separate, approximately IDR 50,000 to 60,000 for foreign adults as of 2026 according to reseller listings.
- Packages with a driver and pickup: about $59 to $71 per adult for a five-hour temple and show tour from the south.
Peak season, July, August and December, sells out. Book ahead, or buy in the afternoon and arrive early. Browse Uluwatu Kecak tickets and tours or compare Bali evening tours.
Where to sit
- Seats are unreserved benches. Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before the start for a good spot.
- The best seats face the ocean, in the middle and upper rows, so the sun sets behind the performers.
- The back rows have better views over the dancers’ heads.
Monkeys, safety and etiquette
The macaques around Pura Luhur are bolder than at Ubud. Keep glasses, hats, jewellery and phones in zipped bags. Do not carry plastic bags or food. If a monkey steals something, a staff member will trade fruit for it, and it can cost IDR 20,000 to 50,000 to get it back.
Wear a sarong and sash, which are provided at the temple entrance. Cover your knees. The cliff path is uneven, so wear shoes with grip. Photography is allowed but phones in the air block views, so stay in your seat.
Getting there
- From Seminyak, Kuta or Canggu: 45 to 75 minutes depending on traffic. Leave at 4pm for a 6pm show.
- From Uluwatu or Bingin: 10 to 20 minutes.
- From Ubud: about 1.5 to 2 hours, so a driver and a late return.
- Transport: there is no public bus. A private driver costs approximately IDR 400,000 to 600,000 for the evening. A scooter costs IDR 80,000 to 100,000 a day, but the ride back in the dark is not for beginners. Grab is available to the temple, but pickups at the end are patchy.
Plan the evening
A common plan is: arrive at 4pm, walk the cliff paths at Pura Luhur Uluwatu, take the 6pm show, then eat seafood at Jimbaran or in Uluwatu. Our Uluwatu things to do page lists the surrounding beaches and bars, and our Uluwatu food guide has dinner ideas. If you want to base yourself near the temple, see where to stay in Uluwatu.
Other sunset temple options are Tanah Lot on the west coast and the east Bali gate at Lempuyang. For a full temple itinerary, see our Bali temple tours guide.
Quick checklist
- Book a ticket for the 6pm show in peak months.
- Bring cash for the temple fee and a hat for the afternoon sun.
- Arrive 45 minutes early.
- Zip away loose items for the macaques.
- Arrange a driver for the return, since the road at night is busy.